In the adolescent brain, the onset of schizophrenia is called the prodromal period. This is a time where the teenager has already engaged in behavioral patterns that, combined together, form a typical profile of what schizophrenic behavior is. These behaviors are:

isolation from friends and family

erratic reactions

problems with sleep

unusual ideas

extreme suspicion

the imminent feeling of being in danger

excessive anger and mood swings

hallucinations

motor/cognitive anomalies

flat affect

delusions

disconnect

This prodromal period can be alleviated by medical professionals through immediate intervention in a mental institution. However, this disorder is chronic, which means that it will not go away. Hence, the only way to treat it is with a consistent action plan and monitoring.

Schizophrenia develops as a result of genetics, or abnormalities in the chemical reactions of the brain. In some studies, the brains of people with schizophrenia denote less gray matter, larger ventricles, badly-developed brain cells, and overall biological changes. In teenagers these symptoms are even stronger due to their constant hormonal changes, and because they are still developing.